Victim Assistance Coordinator/Advocate Ms. Anita Panko - 2B20 moved to Idaho from Washington State about 15 years ago and has made her home in the Bear Lake Valley since 2006. She and her husband Mark C. Johnson own Markita Photography. She is a graduate of Idaho State University with an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor of Applied Science with a Pre-Law emphasis. Ms. Panko also has a minor in Sign Language Studies. During her internship with the City of Montpelier, Economic Development and the Bear Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, she applied for and received a scholarship to the Idaho Victim’s Assistance Academy, an intensive week long training at Boise State University. She has taken the certification exam for victim’s assistance and is waiting for the results.

Ms. Panko and her husband have 11 children between them and 5 grandchildren. Ms. Panko currently serves on the Bear Lake Arts Council and enjoys the Sharpshooters Photo Club as well as the Pescadero Poets. She is also the chairman of the Georgetown School Enrichment Committee under the Georgetown Area Horizon Grant Project.

Ms. Panko is excited for the opportunity to serve the Bear Lake community and assist the fine officers of the Montpelier Police Department. She is dedicated to helping victims become survivors of their personal tragedies through coordination, advocacy, education, and community resources.